2. Patriots WR Wes Welker (Last week: 2). Stats: 51 receptions (1st in the NFL), 785 yards (1st in the NFL), 15.4 average, 6 TDs. Wes Welker has been the driving force of an offense that is 3rd in points per game despite playing 4 non-losing teams. He has 110 more receiving yards than #2 Steve Smith (785 vs. 675) and ask Brady on third down how valuable you is, and how valuable he is in creating manageable third downs.

3. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (Last week: un-ranked). Stats: 146 carries, 712 yards (1st in the NFL), 4.9 average, 8 TDs (1st in the NFL). The Vikings’ Jared Allen has 11 sacks, 2.5 more than anyone else. The Vikings could end up at 1-15 with both the offensive and defensive MVPs. Not really, as I expect they’ll win Sunday, but it’s still a weird situation.

4. Saints QB Drew Brees (Last week: un-ranked). Stats: 70.9 completion rate, 2477 yards (1st in the NFL), 18 TDs, 8 INTs, 104.6 QB rating. I still think Brady and Rodgers are considerably better and would rather have either of them against a good defense or in an average system. However, these awards are often won with stats and Brees has them.